Then, just last week, a sudden craving for a cherry limeade took hold of me. Yep, Sonic has those too, but I wanted a real homemade version, one that I could feel ever so slightly better about because I’d know what was in it. A cherry limeade that would make angels sing. A cherry limeade that would bring worldwide peace.

Yeah, that’s a lot to ask of a beverage, but you never know.

So I pulled out the needed ingredients and set about to meet the challenge my taste buds had set before me. I thought it would take a few versions to perfect, but sometimes things are just meant to be. The first version, right off the bat, was exactly what I was craving. A sweet combination of lime and cherry, with a little fizz, and no artificial flavors or colorings.

Not sure if angels sang, but my taste buds sure did. And I’ve got a call into the United Nations about putting this on their regular meeting menu. You can’t be drinking this cherry limeade and have anger spew from your mouth. It’s impossible. I may be on to something here. You try it, and see what I mean.

Begin by dissolving the sugar in the water over medium heat to create a simple syrup.

Set the simple syrup aside when done to let cool completely.

While the syrup is cooling, juice the limes.

My sister gave me this juicer a few years ago for my birthday. It’s so fun to use, but some basic squeezing will work just fine. Just make sure to remove any seeds.

When the simple syrup has cooled, pour it in a pitcher.

Next, in goes the lime juice.

Then add the cherry juice.

Or the cherry juice, then the lime juice. Or the cherry juice and the lime juice at the same time. Or a little of the cherry, a little of the lime, a little more of the cherry, and the rest of the lime.

When you’ve figured out your lime juice/cherry juice approach, finish it off with the club soda.

If you’re not going to be serving for some time, wait to add the club soda until then.

Stir all together to combine well and you’re ready to serve.

I filled a glass halfway with crushed iced, added a slice of lime…

And poured the cherry limeade over. Yum!

A slushie version made in a blender with ice would be good too. That would be mighty nice! I may try that with the next batch. No, I will try that with the next batch. Definitely.

And it reminds me to ask my grandmother a question. My great-grandfather owned a grocery store with a soda shop from 1929 to the late 80s. I know they made these and I need to find out what their recipe was!

I’m addicted to Sonic’s Cherry Limeade but know this version will taste even better! I just spent the week with my g-kids in St.Louis where my 7 year old g-daughter taught me to make Pink Lemonade from scratch using lemons and cranberry juice and simple syrup. She sent me home with her special recipe copied in her very own handwriting. I think I’m going to frame it. Can’t wait to share your recipe with her!

Yowza! Your play-by-play photos are beautiful! I made some watermelon limeade a while back and a ton of people were bragging to me about how amazing Sonic’s cherry limeade is. Since I live no where near a Sonic, making this is definitely in order. Pretty!

Oh, wow, I could have used a tall glass of this after working in the garden last weekend! How refreshing. And very sonic-like as well. My fav from Sonic is the strawberry-lemonade but this cherry-lime looks mighty fine.

there are hardly any sonics around here (travesty!) so I have had to learn to pave my path minus cherry-limeades…but now…now! my life will finally be complete once again. These look delicious and with a side of tater tots i can guarantee you the angels will sing

I used to work at sonic, all a limeade is is cherry sprite or 7 up with about 3 limes squeezed into it. Boring, I know. We had cherry syrup we squirted into it. Maybe try those packets you’re supposed to put in bottles of water for an easier version.

I’m pregnant and so I’ve had to be creative with fun drinks since I can’t have a cocktail everyday. This sounds amazing. And I know that there are people at the local farmers market selling fresh cherry juice. Putting this one on the list to try in the next few weeks!

This looks delicious. I used to make limeade for my family when we lived in Hawaii. Then I would cut open a cherry and mix the juice of the cherry with a little sugar. I’d use the cherry to rub around the rim of the glass, and then we’d have limeade with cherry sugar rimmed glasses. Your gorgeous post brought back memories.

Would it be possible to find out the maker or model of that juicer? I would love to have one of those for making lemonade and fresh squeezed orange juice. I have an attachment for my food processor, but like the idea of a manual one.

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